Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf
After 25 years at the Late Night desk, Conan realized that the only people at his holiday party are the men and women who work for him. Over the years and despite thousands of interviews, Conan has never made a real and lasting friendship with any of his celebrity guests. So, he started a podcast to do just that. Deeper, unboundedly playful, and free from FCC regulations, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend is a weekly opportunity for Conan to hang out with the people he enjoys most and perhaps find some real friendship along the way.
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Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend ad-free and a whole week early.
Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Episodes
Mentioned books
25 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 26min
Don’t Look A Gift Horse Meat In The Mouth Yet Again
A surprising chicken sandwich craving leads to a fascinating conversation with Asya from Kazakhstan. She shares insights on local customs, including traditional tea etiquette and the unique dish Beşparmak, made from horse meat. Their chat dives into Kazakhstan's natural beauty and the misrepresentations brought by the film Borat. Conan and Asya bond over book recommendations, discussing Russian literature and cultural differences, all while imagining the eccentricity of local festivals. A delightful exploration of friendship and cultural exchange!
149 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 6min
Werner Herzog Returns
Acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog discusses his latest book, The Future of Truth, and shares insights from his unconventional lifestyle. He humorously reflects on finally getting a cell phone for parking apps and reveals how childhood hunger shaped his views on consumerism. Herzog delves into the philosophical nature of truth, emphasizing emotional truth over factual accuracy. He also recounts a near-death experience with a tarantula, and discusses his new film, Ghost Elephants, connecting human existence to wildlife spirituality.
24 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 20min
That Zagrebian ’Tude
Tasha from Zagreb shares her unique dual career as a psychotherapist and luxury yacht cruise manager on the stunning Adriatic Sea. The conversation dives into the realities of yacht life, comparing it to the drama of 'Below Deck.' Tasha playfully diagnoses Conan's anxieties, and they discuss his humorous coping mechanisms. There's also a heartwarming moment as Tasha explains how Conan's show provided comfort during Croatia's turbulent past. The two imagine funny roles Conan could play on a yacht, mixing humor with some deep connections.
80 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 30min
Andy Richter Returns
Andy Richter, a comedian and Conan's longtime sidekick, shares his ups and downs on Dancing with the Stars. He reveals his initial reluctance to compete and the struggles with choreography anxiety. Richter discusses his hip problems and the preparations he undertook, including intense rehabbing with his partner Emma Slater. The duo’s camaraderie and playful rivalry with other dancers take center stage, along with strategies for engaging fans in voting. It's a humorous and heartfelt peek behind the curtain of competitive dancing!
22 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 1min
Janelle James
Janelle James, an actress, writer, and stand-up comedian famous for her role as Principal Ava Coleman on Abbott Elementary, chats with Conan O’Brien about her fascinating journey. She shares her diverse upbringing, discovering stand-up comedy, and the thrill of hitting the road with mentors. Janelle reflects on her unexpected TV fame during the pandemic, her character's hustler vibe, and her family's amusing reactions. Plus, there's a light-hearted segment where the hosts share insights on a listener's review—definitely a mix of humor and heartfelt moments!
9 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 20min
Snack Attack III: Rise of the Meat Flute
Conan and his team dive into the quirky world of meat flutes, sampling premium versions donated by fans. They reflect on the hilariously outrageous journey from snack complaints to meat flute creation. Amidst laughter, they attempt to play these unconventional instruments, testing both their edible qualities and design. The gang debates branding and production dreams, all while trying not to break into fits of giggles. It's a wild culinary adventure filled with unexpected twists!
40 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 17min
Spinal Tap Live From The SiriusXM Garage
Christopher Guest, the brilliant mind behind mockumentaries, showcases his comedic genius alongside fellow Spinal Tap legends Harry Shearer and Michael McKean. They dive into hilarious rock and roll anecdotes, nostalgic memories of their quirky band journey, and the cultural impact of 'This Is Spinal Tap.' With playful banter about iconic musicians, upcoming projects, and a lively audience, they create an unforgettable celebration of humor and music that keeps everyone laughing.
44 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 20min
Born to Be Badminton
The discussion kicks off with a lighthearted debate about the perfect sofa and humorous tales of uncomfortable furniture. Cursed forts near New Delhi take center stage, leading to whimsical stories about wish-granting djinns. Rivalries spark laughter as the hosts engage in a comedic exchange about badminton skills and childhood competition. A caller shares vivid memories from chaotic streets in Jaipur, while family dynamics post-marriage bring relatable humor about returning home. It's a delightful blend of personal anecdotes, playful banter, and cultural insights.
110 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 59min
Nate Bargatze
Comedian Nate Bargatze, known for his clean observational humor, chats with Conan about the weight of friendship and the dream of performing at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. They dive into the fun of designing an amusement park and reminisce about Nate's iconic George Washington sketches on SNL. The conversation takes a hilarious turn as they tackle the absurdities of language, explore the nuances of relatable humor in relationships, and share nostalgic childhood memories, blending laughs with heartfelt storytelling.
24 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 22min
Don’t Look A Gift Horse Meat In The Mouth
Conan connects with Nurzhamal from Kazakhstan, discussing his dodgy attempts to avoid her calls and sharing laughs over Kazakh snacks. The chat evolves into a humorous debate about home decor and football season, peppered with personal anecdotes. They dive into the unique challenges of performing stand-up comedy in Kazakhstan, highlighting the cultural exchange and laughter that brings them closer. The conversation wraps up with heartfelt thanks to the podcast team, celebrating camaraderie in a lighthearted, witty tone.
